Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SINCE their inaugural promotion into the top-flight league back in 2018, Bulawayo Chiefs have become more of a bogey side for Harare giants Dynamos.
The two sides have met 10 times in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and have a 50-50 head-to-head record.
DeMbare have three wins, the Ninjas have as many, while four contests ended in draws.
The last time the two sides met, the results cost one of the coaches his job.
On August 5, 2024, Genesis Mangombe was fired as Dynamos gaffer, a day after his charges laboured to a 1-1 draw against Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields. That was after Match-Day 22 of the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Mangombe, who was replaced by Lloyd “Ma Blanyo” Chigowe, would go on to have stints at Scottland and Triangle United before bouncing back at DeMbare two months ago.
The former Yadah Stars coach returned on January 9 and has since taken charge of two league encounters, overseeing a come-from-behind and hard fought 2-1 win victory over TelOne at Ascot. Mangombe also saw his charges twice come from behind for a share of the spoils in a high-profile showdown with biggest rivals Highlanders at Rufaro, which ended 2-2. This time around, he faces Bulawayo Chiefs on Match-Day Three of the 2026 term, a period during which pressure is not yet as intense from both the club’s executive and demanding fans.
The match against Bulawayo Chiefs also arrives at a time DeMbare are in a bullish mood.
Their players are highly-motivated after they were paid a draw bonus for the result against Bosso soon after that match.
They head into the match against Chiefs knowing a winning bonus could be paid soon after the contest. The players are also feeling a special connection with their fans who painted Rufaro blue and white on Sunday.
In fact, Dynamos have a special relationship with their Bulawayo Chapter of fans and would be expecting them to create an intimidating atmosphere for Chiefs at Barbourfields.
According to pint-sized midfielder Telmore “Kante” Pio, who rose from the bench to first draw Dynamos level, the way they fought back has lifted the players’ spirits.
It was only Pio’s second goal in a decade-long PSL career.
“I am very happy and I feel very excited,” Pio told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“This now gives me faith and belief that I can do it more. I now have the courage to score more goals,” added the former Harare City and ZPC Kariba man.
Dynamos have already scored four goals in just two games this season.
Last season they scored just two goals in their opening 10 league games.
“As players we are in good spirits at the moment. “That performance against Highlanders was a big motivation even though we didn’t win.
“So, we are going to Bulawayo Chiefs motivated to get the three points. I believe it will end well there,” said Pio, who came on as a second half substitute against Highlanders’’.
As Dynamos leave for Bulawayo today, the 21-time league champions know the importance of keeping the momentum with which they have started the season.
They will also be on the road again on Sunday when they travel to newboys Agama at Wadzanayi in Shamva.
